UK businessman gets bail in CWG Queen's Baton Relay scam

New Delhi, Dec 21, 2012 (PTI)

UK-based businessman Ashish Patel, an accused in a case of alleged financial bungling during the 2009 Queen's Baton Relay (QBR) in London, ahead of the games here, today appeared in a Delhi court which granted him bail.

Special CBI Judge Talwant Singh granted bail to Patel, whose two firms, A M Car and Van Hire Ltd and A M Films, are also accused in the corruption case, on a personal bond of Rs five lakh with one surety of same amount.

Patel, in his bail plea, said he has always cooperated with the CBI during investigation of the case and the charge sheet has already been filed and there is no likelihood that he will abscond or tamper with the evidence.

The CBI, which opposed his bail, said Patel is one of the main conspirators and may influence the witnesses and tamper with the evidence.

The court, however, granted him the relief observing that all other accused in the case are already out on bail.

"Since other accused are also on bail and charge sheet has been filed and the accused has cooperated in the investigation, accused Ashish Patel is granted bail on a personal bond of Rs five lakh and one surety of like amount," the judge said.

The judge directed Patel to file an undertaking that he shall appear before it on each and every date of hearing and will not influence the witnesses or tamper with evidence and posted the matter for further proceedings on January 15.

Apart from Patel and his two firms, three former CWG Organising Committee (OC) officials -- Joint Director General T S Darbari, Deputy Director General Sanjay Mahendroo and Treasurer M Jaychandran are also named in the case.

The CBI had alleged that OC members had conspired to award contracts for local transportation and other services to Patel's firms at exorbitant rates during the 2009 QBR event held in London.